Hoops in Yakima

Hoops is a longtime Yakima dive bar where live patio music, comfort food, cold beer, games, and neighborhood history meet.

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With a Touch of Burlesque Live at Hoops, Yakima, WA

8:00pm, Wed, 26 Aug

Aug

Hoops

Yakima

About Hoops

Hoops is an independently operated, 21-and-over neighborhood bar, restaurant, and small live-music venue at 2103 West Lincoln Avenue in Yakima’s Lincoln Center. It remains open and trading under the Hoops name in 2026, normally operating from late morning until 2 a.m. seven days a week. Weekend mornings may begin earlier for breakfast and football.

The venue’s defining feature is its 3,800-square-foot terraced patio, which can accommodate up to 200 people. It combines outdoor tables, landscaping, stone accents, shade covers, a patio bar, and a permanent performance stage. A telescoping glass wall links the interior dance area with the patio, allowing music and activity outside to feel connected to the main bar. The venue has not published a verified total capacity for the entire property, so the 200-person figure should be understood as the patio capacity rather than a whole-building number.

Hoops has occupied an important place in Yakima nightlife under several names. The business began as Little John’s in the late 1960s, became The Office in 1975, and changed to Hoops Sports Bar & Grille in 1992. During the 2010s it operated as Twenty One 03 or Club 2103, referencing its street address. Longtime bartender Fred Gilmour IV, who began working there in June 2001, became part-owner and operator in January 2018 and restored the familiar Hoops name.

Events and Programming

Hoops books approachable, dance-friendly entertainment rather than formal theater-style concerts. Country, classic rock, acoustic rock, Americana, blues, bluegrass, pop covers, and regional singer-songwriters dominate the schedule. Patio performances are commonly programmed for two- or three-hour sets, with earlier evening times in cooler months and 7–10 p.m. shows during summer.

Programming from 2021 through 2026 demonstrates the venue’s range. Its patio hosted live bands as activity resumed in 2021, followed by Yakima-raised outlaw-country performer Jackson Taylor and the Sinners in 2022 and Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts in 2023. Later performers included Justin White Band, Kitty Mae, Darby Sparkman, Dakota Poorman, Englewood Heights, Genevieve, 47th Parallel, Borderline Band, Rod Giles Band, Ron Mears, Michael Angel Cabrera, Aphrodisi-Yaks, Renegade, Rock Garden, The Knockoffs, Rival Band, Stoney Lonesome, Spencer Lendon, and other Northwest acts.

The 2026 calendar also includes karaoke, trivia, music bingo, game-show-style Family Feud, outdoor salsa dancing, paint nights, DJs, and Sunday patio brunch. Karaoke has commonly appeared on Sunday and Thursday nights, while trivia is a recurring Tuesday feature. The published calendar extends recurring brunch and trivia programming into 2027, although individual artist bookings are generally announced closer to each season.

Sports viewing remains part of the identity. Weekend breakfast and football, televisions, pull tabs, two pool tables, dartboards, games, and a DJ area make Hoops as much a social bar as a concert venue. The result is a flexible schedule that can move from lunch and televised sports to an evening band, dancing, karaoke, or a late-night DJ.

Tickets and Booking

Most live-music and weekly entertainment listings do not publish an advance-ticket price, reflecting the venue’s primarily walk-in bar format. However, visitors should not assume that every performance is automatically free or without a cover. Special activities may require registration; one 2026 paint night, for example, was priced at $29. No separate public box office, reserved-seat system, or regular presale program is advertised.

For a popular summer band, arrive 45–60 minutes before the performance if you want a table facing the stage. Earlier arrival is also advisable for brunch entertainment, holiday weekends, and established local acts. Since the venue operates as a restaurant and bar throughout the day, guests can arrive for food before the entertainment rather than waiting for a separate concert door time.

Private use of the patio has been part of its design: the renovated outdoor area was described as a private-event space capable of holding up to 200 people. Rental prices, minimum spending requirements, deposits, and available dates are not publicly standardized, so they vary with the event and season.

Seating and Layout

Hoops does not have numbered seats or a formal seating chart. The interior uses bar seating and tables arranged around the main room, with a central fireplace providing a recognizable gathering point. Separate game and pool areas contain two pool tables and dartboards. The patio adds terraced seating and tables around the outdoor stage, while the movable glass wall can open the interior toward the performance area.

For the closest music experience, choose a patio table with a direct stage view. A position farther back on the terrace is better for conversation and easier movement between the bar, restrooms, and games. Guests sensitive to volume should avoid committing to the front row before the sound check; exact speaker placement and decibel levels are not published.

The venue has confirmed that the outdoor stage includes a trussing system for concert sound and lighting. It has not released an equipment inventory covering the PA, mixing console, monitors, microphones, lighting fixtures, power distribution, backline, or stage dimensions. Its production setup is therefore best understood as appropriate for local and regional bar bands, acoustic acts, DJs, karaoke, and community entertainment rather than touring arena-scale productions.

Getting There and Parking

Hoops is located in Lincoln Center at 2103 West Lincoln Avenue, just east of the neighboring fitness facility. It is west of downtown Yakima and is most convenient to reach by car, rideshare, taxi, bicycle, or the bus running along Lincoln Avenue.

The shopping-center setting provides surface parking close to the entrance. Both the venue and recent visitor summaries describe parking as plentiful or ample, and no paid-parking system is advertised, so visitors should expect ordinary complimentary lot parking unless temporary event controls are posted. Do not leave valuables visible in a vehicle, and avoid parking in spaces reserved for neighboring businesses or accessible permit holders.

Yakima Transit Route 1, Summitview/Lincoln, travels along Lincoln Avenue and connects the downtown Transit Center with the west side. The adult one-way fare is $1, reduced fare is 50 cents for eligible passengers, and youth ride free. The major limitation for concertgoers is the timetable: regular service finishes much earlier than Hoops’ late-night entertainment. A rideshare, taxi, designated driver, or prearranged pickup is generally necessary after evening bands, karaoke, or closing time.

For rideshare pickup, use the Lincoln Center frontage or an open section of the surface lot without blocking the entrance, accessible spaces, or traffic lanes. Because West Lincoln Avenue carries regular traffic, arrange pickup before stepping outside at closing time rather than waiting near the roadway.

Inside the Venue

Expect a casual dive-bar atmosphere rather than a formal concert entrance. Hoops is advertised as a 21-plus establishment, so carry valid government-issued photo identification even if you are attending for lunch, brunch, trivia, or an early performance. Formal bag-size, metal-detector, re-entry, camera, and prohibited-item policies are not publicly posted. Bringing only a small personal bag simplifies entry and reduces clutter around tables.

The bar offers a full spirits selection and 12 draft lines, with an emphasis on Yakima and Northwest beer. The 2018 renovation added an auxiliary beer cooler and glycol chilling system intended to maintain consistent draft temperature and reduce excess foam. A posted happy-hour offer has included approximately $3 domestic bottles and well drinks, although drink specials can change.

Food is a substantial part of the experience. Recent menus have included wings, nachos, pretzel sticks, potato skins, loaded fries, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, salads, soup, tri-tip, chicken strips, shrimp, and gizzards. Typical menu pricing has ranged from about $7 for a basket of fries to around $22–$23 for steak dishes, with many burgers, sandwiches, and entrées in the $14–$18 range. Weekday lunch specials have been offered around $11, but prices and seasonal dishes change.

Two pool tables, darts, pull tabs, televisions, games, merchandise, a fireplace, and indoor and outdoor bars give visitors options between sets. Shirts and hoodies are sold when stock is available. No coat check is advertised, and restroom locations are not marked on a public floor plan; the bathrooms and game room were relocated during restoration work following a 2019 fire.

Renovations and Design

The modern Hoops took shape during a major 2018 renovation. Contractors enlarged the patio to roughly three times its former size, added terracing, landscaping and stonework, raised the interior ceiling, opened a wall between the kitchen and bar, installed glass entry doors, and changed a low 1970s bar into a more conventional bar height. The central fireplace survived, later receiving distinctive blue decorative rock. Hoops reopened under its restored name in October 2018.

A January 2019 fire caused extensive smoke damage and led to further restoration, including relocation of the game room and bathrooms. During the COVID-19 closure in 2020, work continued with a telescoping glass wall between the dance area and patio, a full outdoor bar, additional seasonal awnings, and new kitchen flooring. These changes made the patio more usable during Yakima’s hot summers and improved the connection between indoor and outdoor entertainment.

Nearby Amenities

Hoops serves full meals, so there is little need to arrange separate pre-show dining. Visitors wanting another option can find a Middle Eastern restaurant immediately west on the same block, a longstanding burger restaurant several blocks east on Lincoln Avenue, coffee near North 20th Avenue, and supermarkets and quick-service restaurants around the 16th Avenue commercial area.

This section of West Lincoln Avenue is not a major hotel district. The broader selection of full-service hotels is concentrated closer to downtown, the convention center, North First Street, and highway access. Those areas require a short drive rather than a comfortable late-night walk. If drinking, plan the return trip before arriving; regular public transit will usually have stopped by the time evening entertainment ends.

What Makes Hoops Special

Hoops’ significance comes from continuity rather than celebrity spectacle. The same West Lincoln building has served Yakima drinkers and music fans since the late 1960s, surviving name changes, multiple owners, a fire, COVID-era disruption, and extensive remodeling. Local customers continued calling it Hoops during the Club 2103 years, helping prompt the return of the historic name.

The patio has given Yakima-area musicians a reliable, informal stage for full bands, acoustic performers, country singers, cover groups, and community dance events. One recurring group notes that its members have performed on the patio under various names for more than 14 years. The venue also buys into regional identity through Northwest draft beer, local performers, sports viewing, and an entertainment schedule aimed at regulars rather than one-time destination crowds.

No independent study has published employment, visitor-spending, or tax-impact figures specifically for Hoops. Its cultural contribution is easier to see in its longevity, support for working musicians, private-event capacity, and role as a late-night gathering place in a city where small live-music stages are limited.

Visitor Tips and Information

Bring photo identification, arrive early for patio seating, and wear layers for outdoor music. Yakima afternoons can feel very different from late evenings, while smoke, wind, rain, or extreme heat can affect patio comfort. Outdoor programming may be moved, delayed, or changed when conditions require it.

Wheelchair accessibility and accessible parking are listed by visitor directories, and the modern patio provides substantial open space. However, Hoops has not published detailed measurements for door clearance, restroom fixtures, accessible table locations, stage sightlines, hearing assistance, or other accommodations. Guests with specific mobility requirements should verify arrangements before a crowded performance. Yakima Transit also operates qualifying door-to-door paratransit, though its service hours end well before closing time.

Recent visitors frequently praise the large courtyard, live music, food, cold draft beer, pool tables, darts, plentiful seating, and relaxed neighborhood atmosphere. Reviews of service are not universally consistent: some guests describe attentive staff and good value, while others report slow or unfriendly service and drink prices higher than expected from a dive bar. Allow extra ordering time when a band draws a full patio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hoops in Yakima still open?

Yes. Hoops remains open and operating under that name in 2026, with current food menus and entertainment listings. Standard published hours are 11 a.m.–2 a.m. daily, although the location page also advertises 9 a.m. weekend openings for breakfast and football. Holiday hours, private events, or operational changes may alter that schedule.

Is Hoops a 21-and-over venue?

Yes. Hoops describes its atmosphere and entertainment as being for guests 21 and older, and special events are also labeled 21-plus. Carry valid government-issued photo identification, including for daytime food service, brunch, trivia, or an early patio performance. Do not assume that a restaurant-style event permits children or younger family members.

What is the capacity of Hoops?

The only clearly published capacity is for the patio, which can host up to 200 people. That patio measures approximately 3,800 square feet and includes terraced areas, seating and a performance stage. Hoops has not published a verified combined indoor-and-outdoor capacity, seated banquet capacity, or standing-room figure for the entire property.

Are Hoops concerts indoors or outdoors?

Live bands are strongly associated with the patio, particularly from spring through fall. The outdoor stage has production trussing, and a telescoping glass wall opens the indoor dance area toward the patio. Cooler-season performances may use different arrangements. Weather and event requirements can affect placement, so do not assume every advertised performance will use exactly the same setup.

Do I need a ticket for live music?

Many band, karaoke, trivia, bingo and dance listings do not show an advance price, which is consistent with a walk-in bar event. This does not guarantee that every night is free. Workshops and special activities may charge separately; a recent paint event was approximately $29. If admission information is absent, be prepared for a possible door charge.

How early should I arrive for a patio show?

Arrive 45–60 minutes early when you want a stage-facing table for a popular summer band. Earlier arrival gives you time to park, order dinner, and assess the sound level before choosing a seat. For quieter acoustic nights or midweek entertainment, 20–30 minutes may be sufficient, but seating is not numbered or guaranteed.

Where can I park at Hoops?

Hoops sits in the Lincoln Center and uses the surrounding surface parking. The venue and review summaries describe plentiful or ample parking, with no regular paid-parking program advertised. Park only in marked spaces, preserve accessible stalls for permit holders, and check nearby signs because parts of a shared shopping-center lot may be intended for neighboring businesses.

Can I take public transportation to Hoops?

Route 1 travels along Lincoln Avenue and connects the area with downtown Yakima. Adult one-way fare is $1, with reduced fares for eligible riders and free youth service. The important drawback is that buses stop running much earlier than Hoops closes, making transit useful for arrival but generally unsuitable for returning from late music, karaoke, or DJ nights.

Where is the best place to sit for live music?

Choose a table facing the patio stage for the strongest visual connection to the performers. The terraced patio helps distribute views, but early arrivals have the most choice. Sit farther back or near the indoor opening if you want easier conversation. Visitors sensitive to loud sound should wait until the band’s sound check before settling close to the stage.

Does Hoops serve food during events?

Hoops is a working bar and grill, not merely a performance space. Recent menus include appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, salads, pasta, soup, steak and fried baskets, with many main dishes around $14–$18. Food-service hours can differ from the 2 a.m. bar closing, particularly late at night, so place substantial orders earlier in the evening.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free foods available?

Vegetarian-friendly choices have included vegetables and dip, salads, fries, onion rings, pretzels, mozzarella sticks, mac and cheese, soup, and a grilled cheese sandwich. The published menu does not provide a comprehensive gluten-free designation or preparation guarantee. Guests with allergies or celiac disease should ask about ingredients, shared fryers, cross-contact, dressings, and substitutions before ordering.

Is Hoops wheelchair accessible?

Visitor directories list wheelchair accessibility, accessible parking, and outdoor seating. The large remodeled patio also provides more circulation space than the former outdoor area. However, no detailed official accessibility guide is published for entrances, restrooms, tables, sightlines, or hearing support. Guests who need a particular seating arrangement should confirm that it can be maintained during a crowded event.

What is the bag policy?

No formal bag-size or clear-bag rule is publicly posted. Because Hoops is a compact bar with busy table areas, pool tables and outdoor entertainment, a small personal bag is the most practical choice. Leave unnecessary valuables and bulky backpacks at home. Staff may inspect or restrict an item if it creates a safety, service, or licensing concern.

Can I take photographs or video?

No detailed public camera policy is posted. Casual phone photography is normally less disruptive than professional equipment, but obtain permission before filming performers for extended periods or photographing other guests. Avoid flash near the stage, blocking aisles, or placing tripods around tables. Artist requests and special-event rules should take priority over the ordinary bar-night approach.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The patio has shade covers and a glass connection with the interior, but it remains an outdoor performance area. Rain, wind, heat, wildfire smoke, or poor air quality may change an event’s format. Hoops may move, postpone, shorten, or cancel entertainment when conditions are unsafe or uncomfortable. Dress for the evening temperature rather than only the afternoon forecast.

Can the Hoops patio be rented for a private event?

The 3,800-square-foot patio was specifically described as a private-event space and can accommodate up to 200 people. Its stage, bar, terracing and indoor connection make it suitable for celebrations, reunions and live entertainment. No standard rental package or price is published, so availability, staffing, food, entertainment, deposits, security and minimum-spend arrangements are event-specific.

Does Hoops have pool tables, darts and other games?

Yes. Hoops has a dedicated pool room with two tables, along with dartboards, pull tabs and other games. The venue also programs trivia, music bingo and Family Feud-style events. Pool and darts remain available as space permits, although leagues, tournaments, maintenance, or a particularly crowded entertainment night may temporarily limit access.

Is there a dress code at Hoops?

No formal dress code is published. Casual clothing appropriate for a neighborhood sports bar and outdoor patio is the norm. Comfortable shoes are useful for standing, dancing or moving across the terraced area. Bring a layer during shoulder seasons, and avoid clothing or accessories that could interfere with security, table service, dancing, or movement through crowded aisles.

Hoops in Yakima

With a Touch of Burlesque Live at Hoops, Yakima, WA

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